Name: Cannoli Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ Cups Waffle Cone Crumbs (About 10 Waffle Cones); 1 Tablespoon White Sugar; 6 Tablespoons Butter (Melted); 1 ½ Cups Ricotta Cheese (Strained); 8 Ounces Mascarpone Cheese; 1 Cup Powdered Sugar; 1 ½ Teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 Teaspoon Orange Zest; ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips; Whipped Cream; Chopped Pistachios; Maraschino Cherries

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 35 reviews

If you love the rich, creamy flavors of traditional cannoli but want a fun twist that's easy to slice and share, this Cannoli Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the sweet crunch of waffle cone crumbs with a luscious blend of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, plus a hint of orange zest and cinnamon, this pie delivers all the dessert joy of classic cannoli in a delightful pie form. It's perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you crave a dessert that truly feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You'll Need

A single slice of pie with three visible layers is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly light brown crust with a rough texture. The middle layer is a creamy off-white filling with small dark specks evenly mixed in, looking smooth and soft. On top, there is a small swirl of white whipped cream with a bright red cherry sitting in the center, surrounded by scattered small chunks of green pistachios. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Cannoli Pie Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: from building a crisp and flavorful crust to crafting a creamy, dreamy filling bursting with traditional cannoli flavors.

Waffle Cone Crumbs (1 ½ cups): These provide a crunchy, subtly sweet base reminiscent of the cannoli shell but with a fun twist.

White Sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to balance the crust’s flavor and help caramelize it slightly when baked.
Butter, melted (6 tablespoons): Binds the crust crumbs together and adds richness for that perfect golden texture.
Ricotta Cheese, strained (1 ½ cups): The heart of the filling, offering a smooth and creamy texture with mild sweetness.

Mascarpone Cheese (8 ounces): Adds a decadent richness and velvety softness, elevating the filling beautifully.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling delicately without any grittiness.
Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and flavor into the filling.

Orange Zest (1 teaspoon): Brings a bright, citrusy note that wakes up the rich creaminess.
Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and spices up the filling just right.
Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Tiny bursts of chocolate that melt in your mouth, mimicking the classic chocolate chips in cannoli.

Whipped Cream, Pistachios, and Maraschino Cherries (optional): These garnishes add a pop of color, crunch, and a touch of indulgence when serving.

How to Make Cannoli Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix together the waffle cone crumbs, white sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the pie pan, making sure to cover the bottom and press up the sides to form a beautiful crust. Bake it for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and set. This quick baking step ensures a crisp, flavorful base that'll hold all that luscious filling perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the crust cools, get started on the delectable filling. In a large bowl, combine strained ricotta cheese, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon. Use a gentle folding motion to incorporate all the ingredients until the mixture is silky smooth. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips for that classic cannoli texture. This creamy mixture captures the spirit of cannoli in every bite and creates the signature luscious texture you’ll adore.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Spread the creamy filling evenly into the cooled pie crust, smoothing out the top so each slice looks inviting. Cover the pie and refrigerate it for 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together and firm up the filling, making it easier to slice while maintaining its velvety texture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give your Cannoli Pie Recipe the finishing touches by decorating it with whipped cream, crunchy pistachios, and maraschino cherries if you like. These classic garnishes add a burst of color and texture that make your pie look irresistible and taste even more delightful. Now you’re ready to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice!

How to Serve Cannoli Pie Recipe

A slice of pie with three visible layers rests on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust. The middle layer is a creamy off-white filling with small dark specks spread evenly throughout, giving it a smooth but slightly textured look. On top of the filling are small pieces of greenish pistachio nuts scattered around a dollop of white whipped cream placed near the back edge of the slice. A bright red maraschino cherry sits on top of the whipped cream, adding a pop of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Whipped cream creates a light, airy contrast to the rich filling, while chopped pistachios provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Bright red maraschino cherries not only offer sweetness but also a beautiful pop of color that makes every slice look like a masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple espresso or a lightly sweetened iced tea to balance the creamy richness. For something extra special, serve it alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to enhance that lovely orange zest in the filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the Cannoli Pie Recipe in individual mini mason jars topped with crushed waffle cone crumbs and garnishes for charming portability. You can also layer the filling over pie crust crumbs in clear parfait glasses for a deconstructed, elegant twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for making ahead of time if you want to plan ahead for a special occasion.

Freezing

This Cannoli Pie Recipe freezes best without any delicate garnishes. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Because this is a chilled, creamy dessert, it’s best enjoyed cold. Avoid reheating as it can affect the texture of the filling and cause separation. Simply serve chilled straight from the fridge for the perfect experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular graham cracker crumbs instead of waffle cone crumbs?

While graham cracker crumbs will work in a pinch, waffle cone crumbs add an authentic sweetness and texture that really mimics the classic cannoli shell, making them ideal for this recipe.

Do I have to strain the ricotta cheese?

Straining the ricotta removes excess moisture, which helps the filling achieve that perfect creamy but firm texture without becoming watery inside the pie.

Can I make this Cannoli Pie Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free waffle cone crumbs or substitute with gluten-free cookie crumbs. Just be sure your other ingredients like chocolate chips don’t contain gluten.

Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on ricotta and mascarpone for its flavor and texture, so dairy-free substitutions may change the final result considerably. However, experimenting with dairy-free cream cheese and ricotta alternatives could work for those with dietary restrictions.

How long does it take for the pie to set properly?

Chilling the pie for at least 4 to 6 hours is key to letting the filling firm up and the flavors develop. Overnight refrigeration is even better if you can wait.

Final Thoughts

This Cannoli Pie Recipe brings all the joy of traditional cannoli into a fun, shareable format that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s indulgent yet approachable, combining familiar flavors with a surprising twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your dessert rotation.

Cannoli Pie Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need